Anyone interested in community grants and funding is invited to share their thoughts about Whakatāne District Council’s revised policy.
Consultation on the draft Community Grants and Funding Policy opens today, and signals the first opportunity people have had to give feedback on the policy since 2012.
Whakatāne District Council has a variety of grants and funding available to community groups, voluntary organisations, and in some cases, individuals. The purpose of the funds is to support groups and individuals to meet local needs and increase participation in local activities. The Council is also responsible for administering several grants made available to the community by other organisations, including Sport New Zealand and Creative New Zealand.
Manager Community Partnerships, Frank Begley, says the Community Grants and Funding Policy sets general guidelines for funding that enables Whakatāne District Council to support community-led projects and initiatives that add to the wellbeing of people within the rohe.
“When the policy is adopted by your Councillors, it will be valid for 10 years, so it’s really important that we get it right,” Mr Begley explains. “We’ve reviewed it, and made some changes based on several things including best practice and our local context. Now we need to check-in with our communities to see what you think.”
Mr Begley says the draft content is designed to target funding to key groups and communities and provide clear guidance to those making decisions about where to distribute the grants and funding. There is also a section outlining Council’s commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi.
“The intention is that the policy is transparent, uncomplicated and easy to understand. We really encourage people to join the conversation and let us know what they think,” Mr Begley says. “Have we got it about right, or are there things we’ve missed? Every piece of feedback will be considered, and will help shape the final policy.”
More information, including the draft policy and submission form, is available on Council’s engagement website koreromai.govt.nz. Hard copies are also available from Whakatāne District Council’s Customer Service Centre at 14 Commerce Street, Whakatāne, the Murupara Service Centre on Pine Drive in Murupara and from Whakatāne District Libraries.
All feedback must be received by 5pm Sunday, 12 November 2023.